Skip to main content

Job Photography

Good photos showcase your work and build trust. You don't need a fancy camera - your phone works perfectly. This guide shows you how to take professional-looking photos that sell your work.

Why Photos Matter​

Good photos:

  • Show quality of your work
  • Build trust before customers meet you
  • Help you stand out from competitors
  • Essential for marketing (website, social media, Google Business)
  • Create portfolio for future jobs

You don't need:

  • Expensive camera
  • Photography training
  • Professional equipment

You do need:

  • Your phone (most modern phones are excellent)
  • 5 minutes per job
  • Basic understanding of what makes a good photo

What Photos to Take​

Before Photos​

Essential shots:

  • Overall view of problem area
  • Close-up of issue
  • Context (show where it is)

Why: Shows what you fixed, demonstrates value

Example:

  • Old boiler (before)
  • Leaking pipe (before)
  • Broken fixture (before)

During Photos​

Show your process:

  • Professional work in progress
  • Quality materials/tools
  • Clean work area
  • Your expertise

Why: Shows professionalism and attention to detail

Example:

  • New pipe installation (during)
  • Clean work area
  • Professional setup

After Photos​

The money shots:

  • Completed work (main photo)
  • Close-up of finish quality
  • Overall view showing improvement
  • Clean, tidy finish

Why: This is what sells your work

Example:

  • New boiler installed (after)
  • Finished bathroom (after)
  • Clean, professional finish

Basic Photography Tips​

Lighting​

Natural light is best:

  • Take photos during day
  • Use windows for light
  • Avoid harsh shadows

If dark:

  • Turn on all lights
  • Use phone flash (sparingly)
  • Take multiple shots

Composition​

Keep it simple:

  • Clean, uncluttered backgrounds
  • Focus on the work
  • Remove personal items from shot

Framing:

  • Show the work clearly
  • Include some context
  • Avoid too much clutter

Angles​

Best angles:

  • Eye level (straight on)
  • Slight angle (not too extreme)
  • Show the work clearly

Avoid:

  • Extreme angles (too artistic)
  • Distorted views
  • Too close (can't see context)

Clean First, Photo After​

Before taking photos:

  • Clean up the area
  • Remove tools and mess
  • Tidy up
  • Make it look professional

Why: Photos show your professionalism

Phone Camera Settings​

Basic Settings​

Most phones (auto mode works fine):

  • Use main camera (not selfie)
  • Tap to focus
  • Use HDR mode (if available)
  • Turn on grid lines (helps with straight lines)

For Better Photos​

iPhone:

  • Use Portrait mode for close-ups
  • Use Live Photos (can pick best frame)
  • Use HDR

Android:

  • Use Pro mode if available
  • Adjust exposure if needed
  • Use HDR

General tips:

  • Clean your lens first
  • Hold steady (avoid blur)
  • Take multiple shots (pick best later)
  • Use timer for hands-free shots

What Makes a Good Trade Photo​

Good Trade Photo Shows​

✅ Quality workmanship ✅ Clean, professional finish ✅ Attention to detail ✅ Before and after transformation ✅ Professional environment

Bad Trade Photo Shows​

❌ Mess and clutter ❌ Poor quality work ❌ Unprofessional environment ❌ Personal items in shot ❌ Blurry or dark images

Organizing Your Photos​

Simple Organization​

Create folders:

  • By job type (boiler installations, bathrooms, etc.)
  • By date
  • By customer (with permission)

Naming:

  • "Bathroom-Installation-2024-01"
  • "Boiler-Replacement-Smith"
  • Makes it easy to find later

Storage​

Cloud storage:

  • Google Photos (free)
  • iCloud (iPhone)
  • Dropbox
  • OneDrive

Backup regularly - Don't lose your portfolio!

Using Photos for Marketing​

Where to Use Photos​

Google Business Profile:

  • Upload regularly (weekly/monthly)
  • Shows you're active
  • Helps with rankings

Website:

  • Portfolio gallery
  • Service pages
  • Before/after sections

Social Media:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Showcase your work

Quotes/Proposals:

  • Include relevant photos
  • Shows similar work you've done

Photo Selection​

Choose best photos:

  • Sharp and clear
  • Good lighting
  • Shows quality
  • Professional appearance

Don't use:

  • Blurry photos
  • Dark images
  • Photos showing problems
  • Unprofessional shots

Getting Permission​

Always ask:

  • "Mind if I take a photo for my portfolio?"
  • Most customers say yes
  • Shows professionalism

When to ask:

  • Before taking photos
  • Especially if people in shot
  • Or personal items visible

Privacy​

Respect privacy:

  • Don't show personal items
  • Don't include people without permission
  • Don't show addresses clearly
  • Blur if needed

If customer says no:

  • Respect their decision
  • Don't take photos
  • Or take photos without personal items

Before/After Photos​

The Power of Before/After​

Best marketing tool:

  • Shows transformation
  • Demonstrates value
  • Very shareable
  • Builds trust

How to Create Before/After​

Take consistent shots:

  • Same angle (before and after)
  • Same lighting if possible
  • Similar framing

Edit side-by-side:

  • Use simple apps (Canva, PicCollage)
  • Or just show sequentially
  • Add captions if helpful

Quick Photography Checklist​

Every Job Should Have​

  • Before photo (showing problem)
  • During photo (optional, but shows process)
  • After photo (completed work)
  • Clean, professional appearance
  • Good lighting
  • Clear, focused shot

Before Uploading​

  • Check photo is clear
  • Remove any personal items
  • Ensure professional appearance
  • Got permission if needed
  • Named/organized properly

Quick Wins​

This Week​

  1. Take photos of your next 3 jobs
  2. Create a simple folder structure
  3. Upload best photos to Google Business Profile
  4. Start building portfolio

This Month​

  1. Build photo library (20-30 good photos)
  2. Create before/after gallery
  3. Add photos to website
  4. Use photos in quotes/proposals

Key Takeaways​

✅ Take before and after photos - Shows transformation and value

✅ Clean first, photo after - Professional appearance matters

✅ Use natural light - Best for quality photos

✅ Keep it simple - Focus on the work, remove clutter

✅ Organize photos - Easy to find and use later

✅ Get permission - Always ask before taking photos

✅ Use photos everywhere - Website, social media, Google Business

Next Steps​

  1. Start taking photos - Your next job
  2. Create organization system - Folders and naming
  3. Upload to Google Business - Regular updates
  4. Build portfolio - 20-30 good photos
  5. Use in marketing - Website, social media, quotes

Remember: Good photos don't require expensive equipment - just your phone, a few minutes, and attention to detail. Photos are one of your best marketing tools - invest the time to take good ones.